State Fair Adding An Extra Day!!!

Yay!! Looks like we're getting an extra evening of deliciously-not-good-for-you food, rides, and fireworks, according to today's TBJ article, State Fair to Open a Day Early:

The State Fair will open a day earlier than scheduled this year for a Thursday "preview," organizers say.

The fair, originally scheduled to open Oct. 17, will instead open its doors to the public at 3 p.m. Oct. 16.

"Last year, the State Fair set records for daily and total attendance, with more than 858,000 people coming out to have fun," Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in a statement. "Adding a day gives visitors even more time to have a great time learning about agriculture and experiencing the exhibits, rides, games and food."

The Agriculture Department says it's the first time in 22 years that state officials have added days to the fair.

Admission to the fair Oct. 16 will be $5 for adults and $1 for children ages 6 to 12, with seniors and kids under 6 getting in for free. That compares to a regular $7 admission charge, though it's expected that only 85 percent of the fair's midway rides will be operational in time for the early start.

Organizers say concession stands, exhibit halls and grounds entertainment will be ready by Oct. 16.

The fair will run until Oct. 26 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.